Comino starts with a speedboat blur. This trip is a practical way to reach the Blue Lagoon fast from St Julian’s, then spend your time on Comino at your own pace. You’ll cruise along Malta’s eastern coast, step ashore in Comino, and (weather permitting) circle back via the Comino Sea caves.

I love two parts for very different reasons. The ride is quick and efficient, so you lose less of your day to slow transport and more to swimming and sun time. And once you’re on Comino, you get genuine freedom: no rigid schedule, just free time to explore the island and choose how long you want in the water.

One thing to watch: Malta’s new May 2025 rule requires a government access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. If you don’t have it in advance, you won’t land there.

Key things to know before you go

• Fast crossing from St Julian’s with a high-speed ride that gets you there quickly
• Free time on Comino so you can swim, snorkel, stroll, or just rest
• Blue Lagoon access pass is required (limited daily allocation)
• Sea caves on the return trip when weather allows
• Not a guided tour—you’re doing it your way on the island
• Bring motion-sickness prevention because the boat ride can be choppy

Speedboat vs. ferry: why this route makes sense

If you’re basing yourself in St Julian’s, this is one of the most time-friendly ways to reach Comino. The schedule is built around speed: a 45-minute high-speed journey each way, plus a longer block of free time on Comino.

That matters because Blue Lagoon days can get squeezed fast. With a speedboat, you’re not stuck waiting for buses, timing connections, or trading minutes for convenience. Instead, you trade some sea time for more beach time.

Also, the route is scenic without trying too hard. You’ll cruise along the eastern coast of Malta, passing St Paul’s Islands on the way out—quick, but memorable.

Where the trip starts: the jetty behind Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel

Meeting points in Malta can be a little chaotic, but this one is clear. Head to the jetty behind the Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly known as Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort), at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

When you arrive, look for a black iron gate near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot. Go through the gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty where boats and jet skis are parked.

Tip: give yourself extra time to find it, especially if you’re arriving on foot at a busy hour. This is one of those trips where missing the departure is a pain you don’t want.

The high-speed crossing: what the 45 minutes feels like

Your main “transport part” is a fast one: a 45-minute run to Comino aboard a speedboat. It’s not a ferry-style float; it’s designed to get you there quickly, and the boat motion can pick up depending on conditions.

If you’re prone to seasickness, take the boat seriously. The trip explicitly recommends motion sickness prevention, and it’s also listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness and for anyone with heart problems, mobility impairments, or back problems. If you’re right on the line, err on the cautious side and bring your own plan.

What I like about the way this trip is set up: you’re not stuck out there longer than you need to be. Reviews also describe the return as sometimes rough, and life jackets are available/used when conditions call for it—so you’re not totally on your own once the sea gets spicy.

Blue Lagoon time: swimming, snorkeling, and doing your own thing

This is the headline for a reason. When you reach Comino, you’ll step ashore to spend the day around the Blue Lagoon, known for turquoise, crystal-clear waters, a white sandy base, and lots of marine life.

Best part: you control the pace. This is not a guided tour, so you can decide what you want most:

• Jump in and swim
• Stay in shallow water and snorkel
• Sunbathe and reset
• Walk around and look for less crowded spots

One practical reality: the Blue Lagoon is usually busy. You’ll still get plenty of time in the water, but expect crowd density near the main swimming areas. The trick is to treat it like a beach day, not a photo shoot: get in early if you can, then later wander and change your spot.

The access pass rule you must not ignore (May 2025)

Here’s the big planning piece for this trip. Following a Government of Malta directive effective May 2025, anyone wanting to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an official access pass in advance.

• Passes are available through blcomino.com
• Daily allocation is limited
• If you don’t have the pass, you won’t be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon
• In that case, you’ll be taken to Comino’s Santa Marija Bay instead

This is not a small technicality—it changes the whole experience. If your dream includes the Blue Lagoon specifically, get the pass first, not last.

Exploring Comino Island on your own pace

The trip gives you time not just at the waterline, but on the island itself. You can wander around Comino’s countryside and enjoy a break from beach-only time.

This is where I think the trip earns its “value” label. If you’re coming to Malta and only have one chance to visit Comino, you want more than one view. A free-exploration stop lets you mix water time with walking time and gives you a fallback if the water is crowded.

Also, your schedule is flexible within the overall tour window. You choose how long you spend swimming, how long you lounge, and whether you want to take a slower stroll once the sun shifts.

Comino Sea caves on the way back: the bonus you earn with good weather

On the return trip, the boat makes a Comino Sea caves visit, weather permitting. That means you don’t get a guaranteed “cave tour,” but you do get an added payoff if conditions are right.

This is a classic way to add variety without extending the day much. Instead of repeating the same scenery, you get different shoreline views and a change of pace before you head back to St Julian’s.

And since it’s part of the return, it also gives you something to look forward to when you’re starting to feel sand-in-your-shoes tired.

Price and value: is $53 fair for what you’re getting?

At $53 per person (for the speedboat experience), the price lands in a reasonable middle ground—especially if you’re comparing against the cost of time and hassle.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

• Speedboat transport to and from Comino
• Free time at Comino and the Blue Lagoon
• A sea caves stop on the way back (weather permitting)
• An experienced skipper
• All fuel costs

What’s not included:

• The government Blue Lagoon access pass (acquired online)
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• A tour guide (you’re independent on Comino)

So the value depends on you. If you can handle boating and you plan to spend serious time in the water, it feels like a strong deal. If you’d rather travel slow, or if you forget the access pass and end up at Santa Marija Bay, you might feel the value shift.

What to bring (and what to leave at home)

You don’t need a lot, but you do need the right basics.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear, towel
• Sunscreen
• Something to prevent or reduce motion sickness

Not allowed on board:

• Pets
• Baby strollers
• Luggage or large bags
• Non-folding wheelchairs / baby carriages
• Electric wheelchairs

This is why packing light matters. You want your day to feel like a beach escape, not a gear-management exercise.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This trip works best if you want:

• A fast day out from St Julian’s
• Plenty of time to swim and snorkel
• Independence once you arrive (no “follow the guide” structure)

It’s not a fit if you:

• Are a child under 3 years
• Are pregnant
• Have back problems, heart problems, or mobility impairments
• Use a wheelchair
• Are prone to seasickness or motion sickness

Also, you’ll want to be comfortable with your schedule. There’s no tour guide walking you through Comino. That’s great if you like freedom. It’s not great if you want someone to interpret every stop.

Small practical tips that make a big difference

These are the details that help the day run smoother:

• Book the access pass early if Blue Lagoon is your target. The pass allocation is limited and you must have it to disembark there.
• Plan your arrival at the jetty with extra time. The meeting point includes gate/ramp/yellow-line directions that are easy once you’re there, but not something you want to rush.
• Pack for sun and splash. This is a water day first, everything else second.
• If the sea gets rough, know that life jackets may be provided on the return trip depending on conditions.
• If you’re buying food or drinks on-site, expect vendor options and card payments; one review also noted deck chair rentals and locker use if you don’t want your stuff on you all day.

And yes, a slightly silly tip: one visitor recommended bringing a fork to enjoy the pineapple drink properly, since the fruit gets messy without the right utensil. Small thing, real payoff.

Should you book the St Julian’s to Comino Blue Lagoon speedboat?

I’d book this if you want a short, high-energy route from St Julian’s, then a long stretch to do your own thing in the water. The fast speedboat timing, the free Comino/Blue Lagoon time, and the sea caves bonus are exactly the combo that makes a one-day Comino visit feel worth it.

I’d think twice if you’re sailing without the Blue Lagoon access pass plan. Santa Marija Bay may still be nice, but it’s not the same experience as stepping into the Blue Lagoon specifically. Also, if you know you get seasick easily, the boat’s nature and the suitability restrictions make this a risky match.

If you’re ready to move quickly, swim a lot, and plan the access pass ahead, this is a solid Malta day trip.

You Might Also Enjoy

Gozo Ebike TourFirst scuba diving experience with instructor – MaltaLazy Pirate Party Boat in MaltaFlyboard Teaser Flight (20min)